Sunday, March 13, 2011

Don't knock it 'till you've tried it.

I feel I owe the split pea community this blog post. And I think that community consists only of me and my sister. We grew up eating this soup and for some reason it evokes memories of two little blonde-headed girls who were most likely eating this soup in our underwear because, according to our old neighbor, we were never fully clothed throughout most of our childhood.

I am determined to keep both of these traditions alive in my own family. So far, so good.

It seems that most people are afraid of pea soup. Most people are crazy.

This soup is simple, earthy, and delicious. And it goes a little somethin' like this:

Grab you a bag of split peas at the store. They are with the beans. They cost, like, 15 cents.

Next, get you one of these. And no, this is not one of my vital organs. This is a ham-hock. Mine was left over from Christmas dinner (thanks, Grandma).

Throw them both in a pot and cover them with water and start simmering away.

See those delicious green beauties? Yum-O!

Now, chop an onion.

And get your adorable assistant to saute it in a little EVOO with some salt and pepper (freshly ground, of course).

Then chop a couple of stalks of celery and a couple of carrots.

Add them to the onion and continue to saute until...

they look like this:

Now throw them in with the peas and ham.

If you like living on the edge, you can throw in some chicken bouillon.

Like this:

Now all you have to do is continue to simmer until the peas sort of break-down and get all creamyish. And add some salt and pepper if you feel the urge.